WZFX

In March 1986, WQTR-FM increased its power to 100,000 watts and changed to WZFX, and become "The All New FM 99 The Fox, WZFX". The station has a Rhythmic Top-40 format.[1] The new owners were Steve Weil of Goldsboro, North Carolina, his brother Henry Weil, and his sister Leslie Weil.[2]

In 1987, WZFX evolved into an Urban/CHR a.k.a. CHUrban format playing such artist as New Edition, Lillo Thomas, Force MD's and Troop. WZFX changed its moniker to "99.1 the Fox"; however, in 1995 brought back the "Original Foxy 99" and broadcast its 100,000-watt signal on the air "From the Capital City to the Coast". WZFX is the sister station of WIKS in Jacksonville, North Carolina, which also has a similar format and signal power of 100,000 watts.

In 1990, after WQSM stopped playing top 40, WZFX added some top 40 hits to its music mix.[3] This move took "The Fox" back to the top of the ratings.[4] In 1994, WZFX moved from the Wachovia building to a former Cato department store, which the owners purchased.[2]

In 1995, Atlantic Broadcasting Group sold WROV-FM to Ray Thomas of Roanoke, Virginia and WLNI in Lynchburg, Virginia, leaving the company with only WZFX. Several DJs and general manager Lynn Carraway were let go. At the time, WZFX played no rap until after 5 in the afternoon, and rap-leaning WLRD was doing very well despite its limited signal.[5]

In 1997, Beasley Broadcasting—owner of WKML, WTSB, WAZZ and WEWO—bought WZFX from Joyner Communications. There was talk in 1996 of another company buying WZFX and WLRD, but that deal fell apart.[6] Later in the year, Beasley also bought WLRD and WYRU. For a short time, WLRD aired the programming of WZFX.[7]